Page 7 of 8

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:22 pm
by QITNL
Very sorry to hear this. I had been following this thread, somewhat in awe of the distances and elevations you have been covering. It sounded like she was an amazing climber and a wonderful person. Best luck to all of you.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:45 pm
by bobmc
I met Pat only briefly at the start of the Crown Point hike but remember being impressed by her boundless energy and warmth, and by how she greeted everyone as "my friend." She will be greatly missed.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:46 pm
by inconsolable
I'd been reading the earlier posts about Pat with delight; her quality shone through every mention. My condolences to her loved ones, as well as to all who'd been enjoying her company.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:54 pm
by Burchey
Very sad. Let us take this and remember to take extra care while we're up high.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 12:06 am
by orbitor
Pat was one of the best climbers, cyclists, runners and overall adventurers you can think of. Her positive attitude was infectious and her experience vast, the combination of which resulted in such inspiration to all who were privileged enough to know her. Words cannot express our loss.

I feel blessed to have done several trips with Pat, most recently to Mt. Williamson. Pat was in the lead most of the time and the first to reach the summit. I cherish all our summits and all the moments we spent together. It is devastating to know I can never again look up at Pat and find the motivation to keep climbing, higher and higher, but our memories together will never be forgotten. Thank you for teaching me that life IS worth living on the highest summits!

REST IN PEACE, PAT. YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY.

Image
Pat with the Williamson summit register

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 1:14 am
by SpazzyMcgee
Oh, fuck.

RIP.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 2:11 am
by ScottHanson
Kindness and competitiveness. A year ago at SC2012 day 10 with the days climb completed several folks were enjoying beers outside a Independence Motel. The subject of 1-armed push-ups came up. A woman declared she could do 10. It was Pat Hadley and the push-ups followed. Whoa! I knew then that this is a very competitive person. Through her interactions with others, it was also clear she was a very kind person. For many days during SC 2013 she was performing exceptionally well. I am sure many people were rooting for her success. That is why this recent news is so hard to swallow. Rest in peace, Pat; you have impacted many lives in a positive way.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:26 am
by Deb
My life has been enriched by climbing peaks and getting to know her at camp or along the trail. Easily the kindest person I've known. It was her urging when we did Milestone/Midway that I took myself to ER for my medical issue after that trip. I learned which plants I could eat and countless flower names from her. She never failed to be a positive force and we had great chemistry together out there.
Her talks of her "kids" at school and growing up in Wisconsin and how she looked forward to being home with her hubby and "napping" with him ... I can not ever forget her sweet loving nature and how open and giving she was. She said she liked climbing mtns with me because I was tough and moved over stone nicely. I am deeply flattered.
I am angry and disbelieving today that someone so treasured is gone in a flash. Happily, the last thing I said to her was "I'll be thinking of you. Love you."
A damn tragic loss ~

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 6:31 am
by mlarkin2002
What terrible news. Condolences to all affected by this terrible accident.

-ml

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:14 pm
by clmbr
Each time we go to the mountains we challenge ourselves for another adventure; sometimes we have fun, sometimes we suffer, but always go back again and again even though it’s very sad to read such stories.

My condolences to Pat’s family and friends.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 12:05 am
by artrock23
Wow, I just heard about this from a non-climbing friend on facebook.

Such a loss. R.I.P., Pat.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 2:51 am
by DukeJH
I just heard about this on the summit of Mount Langley from a couple of Sierra Challengers. I had the privilege of trying to keep up with Pat in the 2012 challenge to the Ritter/Banner saddle. I cannot add to what has been said but am in shock over the loss to the hiking and climbing community.

Rest in peace Pat. You will be missed.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 6:09 am
by Vitaliy M.
Terrible news.

Re: 2013 Sierra Challenge Aug 16-25

PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:36 pm
by Princess Buttercup
Our Sierra Challenge family has suffered a tremendous blow, and I will write more after I return from my Labor Day trip. Pat was a dear friend, a fellow traveller, a powerhouse. Her spirit will live on in the heights.

From my own piece, speaking originally of Andrea Mead Lawrence:

"We are women of the mountains, she and I... Indirectly, I stand on her shoulders, and she will ride with me. 'Mountains can be one’s old, wise friends,' she writes. Travel well, my friend. It is what we women of the mountains do."

All The Right Reasons

Climb Hard. Be Safe.
-L